Tasmania Celebrates Australia Day 2010

Senator Chris Evans
Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship

Tasmania celebrates Australia Day 2010

About 300 people from diverse countries and cultures will become citizens at 16 special Australia Day ceremonies in Tasmania tomorrow (26 January).

Nationwide, a record 16 500 people from 144 countries will become citizens at 350 ceremonies on and around Australia Day making 2010 celebrations the biggest ever.

In Tasmania, highlights include 100 people becoming Australians in a Hobart City Council function at the Sandy Bay Regatta Ground. It will be the largest ceremony in Tasmania and Hobart City Council's biggest such event in recent years.

Glenorchy, Kingsborough Council and Launceston city councils will also be hosting Australia Day citizenship ceremonies.

Long-time Hobart resident Regina Halton will become a citizen after living in Australia for nearly half a century. Originally from England, Mrs Halton came to Australia 48 years ago but decided to pursue citizenship only after finding her entry documents from 1952.

"Growing up, I always felt Australian and now I am making it official," Mrs Halton said.

January 26 is a chance for everyone to celebrate the diversity on which Australia is built.

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said Australia has been enriched by the cultures of people from more than 200 countries who have chosen to call Australia home.

"Becoming an Australian citizen shows commitment and loyalty to this country and a desire to share in our common future," Senator Evans said.

"Australian citizenship is about people embracing a new national identity and a chance for all Australians to understand the role citizenship plays in building a strong, unified nation.

"Our citizenship is something we should all actively celebrate on Australia Day.

"I invite everyone attending ceremonies to also celebrate their commitment to Australia by joining in the affirmation and publicly stating their loyalty and commitment to Australia and its people."

Note to media: Broadcast-quality audio grabs from Senator Evans and further information on Australian citizenship are available online at: www.newsroom.immi.gov.au

For interviews with new citizens: Contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship National Communications Branch on (02) 6264 2244.


Media Contacts:
Simon Dowding
(02) 6277 7860
or 0411 138 541 (Minister's office)
DIAC National Communications Branch on (02) 6264 2244

SOURCE: Minister for Immigration and Citizenship